WP political blog, "The Fix"
In a Sea of Political Endorsements, Six That Could Make Waves
By Chris Cillizza And Shailagh Murray
Sunday, January 28, 2007; Page A02
Every day the potential presidential candidates fill The Fix's inbox with press releases touting some new endorsement from a sheriff in South Carolina or a state legislator in Michigan. For the most part, these endorsements are aimed at building momentum but have zero practical effect on the hunt for votes. Not all endorsements are created equal, however. Some really do matter....
***
Democrats
Sen. Ted Kennedy (Mass.): Sen. John Kerry's decision to step out of the 2008 race makes Kennedy one of the most sought-after free agents in the field. Kennedy has ties to several of the candidates, although Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) stands to benefit most from an endorsement by the liberal icon.
Rep. Jim Clyburn (S.C.): The highest-ranking African American in the House, Clyburn is the rare modern politician with a proven political machine at his disposal. And he sits in a state that will vote on Jan. 29, 2008.
Former governor Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.): Shaheen, a former three-term governor, maintains an active political organization in the state, overseen by her husband, Billy. She may not be able to endorse from her current perch at Harvard, but a lot can change in a year's time.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/27/AR2007012701072.html